Disposable article including a nanostructure forming material

ABSTRACT

A disposable treatment article or disposable cleaning article that includes a hydrophobic nanoporous material. The disposable treatment or cleaning article is configured to contact and apply the nanoporous material to a surface. The nanoporous material is configured to form hydrophobic nanostructures on a surface upon the application of an activation stimulus. The nanostructures provide an anti-contamination benefit to the surface upon which the nanostructures are disposed.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to disposable treatment articlescomprising a hydrophobic nanostructure forming material. Specifically,the present disclosure relates to disposable treatment articles that areadapted to transfer a hydrophobic nanostructure forming material to abodily surface to form nanostructures thereon in order to reduce thepotential for contaminants to cling or adhere to the bodily surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Disposable treatment articles are known in the art and include, forexample, disposable absorbent articles, disposable cleaning articles,and disposable delivery articles. Disposable absorbent articles areoften used for receiving and storing bodily exudates. Examples of suchdisposable absorbent articles include diapers, diaper inserts, trainingpants, adult incontinence articles, and feminine hygiene articles suchas sanitary napkins and bandages. Exemplary known disposable cleaningarticles include paper towels, disposable non-woven wipes, toilettissue, facial tissues, hair cleaning wipes, tooth cleaning wipes, andother implements that are adapted to remove contamination or otherundesirable materials from a variety of surfaces (e.g., one or morebodily surfaces). Exemplary known disposable delivery articles includefacial wipes, moistening wipes, protective hand wipes, cleansing pads,tooth whitening articles, and heat wraps. Disposable delivery articlesare typically adapted to deliver one or more beneficial substances orenergy such as, for example, a skin care active, lotion or heat, to avariety of surfaces such as one or more bodily surfaces.

Disposable absorbent articles may include a liquid permeable topsheet, aliquid impermeable backsheet and an absorbent core disposed between thetopsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent core may be configured toabsorb many times its own weight in liquid in order to store lowerviscosity bodily exudates such as urine, menses, and/or runny or lowviscosity feces. While the absorbent core may absorb the liquid thatcomes into contact with it, often any solid or highly viscous orparticulate-containing material such as, for example, solid or pastyfeces received by the absorbent article will typically remain at leastpartially on the topsheet, and in such instances may come into contactwith the skin of a wearer of the absorbent article. It is well knownthat contact between skin and bodily exudates such as fecal matter mayincrease the occurrence of undesirable skin rashes or other ailments. BM(i.e., bodily exudate resulting from a bowel movement) or other bodilyexudates that adhere or cling to the skin of a wearer will typicallyhave to be cleaned off by the wearer of the absorbent article or acaregiver of the wearer. The removal of BM, for example, from skin maybe an undesirable task for both wearers of absorbent articles andcaregivers of the wearers. In light of this undesirability, somemanufacturers of disposable absorbent articles have sought ways ofisolating any BM contained in an absorbent article from the skin of theabsorbent article wearer. Additionally, complete removal of feces fromthe skin is often difficult. Even when the previously soiled skinappears to be visually clean, micro-level contamination may remain onthe skin and contribute to increased skin irritation.

One approach to isolating BM includes providing an absorbent articlewith an opening in the topsheet through which BM can pass to a moreisolated portion of the absorbent article such as an interior portionproximate to the absorbent core. Once the BM passes through the opening,the topsheet may be configured to provide a barrier between the BM andthe skin of the wearer. In some embodiments, the topsheet may beconfigured to have a hydrophilic side facing the wearer and ahydrophobic side facing the absorbent core of the article. The topsheetmay be configured to have two hydrophobic sides, so that when bodilyexudates pass from the wearer side of the topsheet to the absorbentcore, they are inhibited or prevented from passing back from theabsorbent core to the skin of the wearer. However, this approach mayincrease the complexity and/or the manufacturing cost a disposableabsorbent article and may still leave a portion of the wearer's skin incontact with fecal material.

Another approach to the problem of BM on skin is to provide a barriercomposition on the topsheet that repels or at least inhibits BM fromsticking to the surface of the skin. For example, certain lotions andskin care compositions are known to at least reduce the tendency of BMto stick to the skin when they are applied to the surface of the skin.Such lotions and skin care compositions are typically hydrophilic orhydrophobic in nature. One drawback associated with the use ofhydrophilic lotions on topsheets of absorbent articles is the phenomenonof over-hydration of the portion of skin in contact with the lotion.Over-hydration of the skin may lead to skin irritation and/or a wet skinfeeling, and therefore may not provide a suitable option for BMisolation. Hydrophobic lotions, on the other hand, may provide at leastsome BM isolation and may not contribute significantly to skinover-hydration, but hydrophobic lotions may include other undesirablefeatures such as interfering with the function of the topsheet, having alow washability (e.g., leaving an undesirable residue on the skin of thewearer), having a negative feel or appearance, and/or havinginsufficient skin cleaning ability. Thus, many manufacturers ofabsorbent articles desire a means of imparting hydrophobicity to abodily surface without the negative aspects mentioned above.

Disposable cleaning articles for bodily surfaces may comprise one ormore dry or wet-laid layers of a nonwoven material comprising syntheticor natural fibers adapted to remove contamination from skin, hair, orteeth. For example, facial tissues are typically wet-laid cellulosicwebs adapted to remove nasal mucous or other waste from the skin,especially in the oral and nasal regions of the body. Toilet tissue istypically a wet-laid cellulosic web adapted to remove fecal materialfrom a user's perianal region. Facial wipes may comprise a syntheticnonwoven web or foam material adapted to remove dirt, makeup, and othercontamination from a user's facial region. One approach to increase theefficacy of disposable cleaning articles is to increase the basis weightof the article, which will typically increase the absorptive capacity ofthe article. While this may be at least partially effective for lowviscosity contamination, highly viscous contaminants, visco-elasticcontaminants, or contaminants having a high concentration of particulatematter may prove difficult to absorb regardless of the basis weight ofthe absorbent material. To deal with highly viscous contaminants, someproviders of disposable cleaning article may increase the3-dimensionality of the article, for example, by including depressionsridges, rugosities, and the like in order to provide storage capacity onthe article surface for contaminants that are difficult to absorb.However, these approaches still may not be successful for highlyadhesive or sticky contaminants, which tend to form a strong bond with asurface. One approach to reduce the adhesive or sticky properties ofthese kinds of contaminants is to disrupt the bond between thecontaminant and the surface to which it is adhered. In some instances,this may be accomplished by using a liquid cleaning agent that includes,for example, water, a lotion, a silicone, and/or a surfactant. However,it may be difficult for the liquid cleaning aid to penetrate to theinterface of the contaminant and the surface to which it is joined, andtherefore the contaminant may not be removed even with a liquid cleaningaid. Another approach may be to include a beneficial composition that isreleasably contained in a disposable cleaning article. For example, ahydrophobic skin care composition may be included in facial tissueand/or toilet tissue in order to reduce the likelihood of undesirablecontamination of the skin, when the composition is applied to skin.While a hydrophobic skin care composition may provide the desiredbenefit of reducing the susceptibility of skin to the irritant effectsof contamination, it is still subject to the same drawbacks describedabove with regard to disposable absorbent articles.

Disposable delivery articles may be adapted to transfer a beneficialsubstance or effect to the skin of a user and include facial wipes,moistening wipes, protective hand wipes, cleansing pads, tooth whiteningarticles, and heat wraps. These articles are generally effective atdelivering the beneficial substance, but often lack the ability toprotect the bodily surface from contaminants that may come into contactwith the surface. Providing these articles with the ability toadditionally facilitate the removal of undesirable contaminants via theestablishment of a highly hydrophobic surface may be highly beneficial.

Existing in nature are surfaces that exhibit an inherent hydrophobicity(e.g., the surface of a lotus leaf). This phenomenon is sometimesreferred to as super-hydrophobicity. The inherent hydrophobicity ofcertain natural surfaces may be due at least partially to hydrophobicnano- and/or micro-structures provided on the surface by one or morenaturally occurring hydrophobic materials. In some instances, thematerial may be produced naturally by an organism of which the surfaceis a part. In the case of the lotus leaf, the lotus plant produces andexudes a hydrophobic wax onto the surface of its leaves. The hydrophobicwax of the lotus plant has a surface that comprises hydrophobic microand nano structures, which impart the inherent hydrophobicity to thelotus leaves. The micro and nano structured surface of the lotus leafcomprises a plurality of elevations and depressions wherein the heightsof at least some the elevations and the distance between at least someof the elevations are on the order of nanometers, i.e., on a“nanoscale”. When the material that includes the nanostructures is ahydrophobic material such as in the example of the lotus leaf, therelative spacing of the elevations may present a surface that water andother polar liquids are unable to penetrate or adhere to. In addition,when water or other similar liquids come into contact with suchnaturally hydrophobic surfaces, the water or other liquid may “roll off”of the hydrophobic surface and take any contamination with it. Thisphenomenon is sometimes referred to as the “Lotus Effect” and may resultin a surface that is substantially self-cleaning when exposed to water.Nanostructures have been reproduced on some artificial surfaces through,for example, plasma etching, plasma polymerization, chemical vapordeposition, and surface coupling reactions. However, these methods aretypically not suitable for use with certain biological surfaces such asskin.

Descriptions of the lotus effect and/or surfaces comprisingnanostructures can be found in US2002/0150724A1 to Nun, et. al.; U.S.Pat. No. 6,660,363B1 to Barthlott; U.S. Pat. No. 5,500,216A to Julian,et. al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,683,126B2 to Keller, et. al.; US2004/0014865A1to Keller et. al.; US2003/0096083A1 to Morgan, et. al.; US2003/0124301A1to Oles, et. al.; US2004/0154106A1 to Oles et. al.; EP1144536B1 toReihs, et. al.; EP1144537B1 to Reihs, et. al.; EP1144733B1 to Reihs, et.al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,787,585B2 to Rose, et. al.; US2004/0023824A1 toZuechner, et. al.; and Biologie in Unserer Zeit, volume 28, Issue No. 5,pages 314-322, Barthlott, et. al.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a disposable treatmentarticle that transfers a composition for creating nanostructures on abodily surface to the bodily surface during normal use of the article,wherein the nanostructures are capable of preventing, reducing, orresisting the adherence of contamination to the bodily surface. It wouldalso be desirable to provide a nanostructure forming composition on adisposable treatment article that imparts good contamination resistanceproperties to skin and is not associated with skin over-hydration. Itwould further be desirable to provide a nanostructure formingcomposition on a disposable treatment article that renders a biologicalsurface substantially hydrophobic.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to provide a solution to one or more of the problems describedabove, one embodiment discloses a disposable treatment article forcontacting one or more bodily surfaces and increasing the contaminationresistance of the bodily surfaces. The disposable treatment articlecomprises one or more substrates and an activatable nanostructureforming material. The nanostructure forming material is incorporatedinto one or more of the substrates. The nanostructure forming materialis configured to provide hydrophobic nanostructures to a bodily surfacewhen the activatable nanostructure forming material is activated and atleast a portion of the nanostructure forming material is disposed on thebodily surface. The hydrophobic nanostructures comprise a plurality ofnanoscale elevations and depressions. The nanostructure formingmaterial, when activated and applied to the bodily surface reduces theadherence of a contaminant to the bodily surface.

Another embodiment discloses an article of commerce comprising acrushable nanoporous material adapted to form a plurality ofnanostructures upon the application of between 6 N/m² and 7 ×10⁴ N/m² ofcrushing pressure. The article also includes an applicator adapted toapply the nanoporous material to a bodily surface. The nanostructuresreduce the adherence of a contaminant to the bodily surface whendisposed on the bodily surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a nanostructure forming material beingcrushed.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are representations of SEM micrographs of a nanostructureforming material disposed on a fibrous substrate.

FIG. 4A is a representation of an SEM micrograph of nanostructures onthe surface of a lotus leaf as viewed under a microscope.

FIG. 4B is an illustration of the nanostructures of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 is a representation of an SEM micrograph of a water droplet on alotus leaf.

FIG. 6 is a representation of an AFM image of a substrate surface.

FIG. 7 is a graphical illustration of the topography of the substratesurface of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a representation of an AFM image of a substrate surfacecomprising a nanostructure forming material.

FIG. 9 is a graphical illustration of the topography of the substratesurface in FIG. 8.

FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C are representations of SEM micrographs of asubstrate surface and the substrate surface comprising a nanostructureforming material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Definitions

“Adhere” refers to the ability of one material to cling or stick toanother material and resist separation.

“Aerogel” refers to an extremely low density, porous solid formed byreplacing the liquid of a gel with a gas. Typically, aerogels comprisesilicon-, melamine-, or carbon-based materials, and exhibit densities inthe range of 0.003 to 0.8 g/cm³.

“Bodily surface” refers to a surface of the human body, includingcertain bodily cavities, that typically become contaminated through thecourse of normal daily activity. Nonlimiting examples of bodily surfacesinclude skin, hair, fingernails, toenails, nostrils, tooth enamel, gums,the perianal region, the perineal region, mucous membranes (e.g., in thenasal cavity) and the like.

“Body contacting portion” or “body contacting” refers to a portion of anarticle that touches or is in liquid communication with a bodily surfaceduring normal use of the article.

“Carrier” refers to a first material or composition that supports,holds, and/or localizes a second material or composition in order tofacilitate transport of the second material from one location toanother. For example, a lotion may support a nanostructure formingmaterial, hold the nanostructure forming material on or in a disposabletreatment article, and then transport the nanostructure forming materialfrom the article to a bodily surface when the bodily surface contactsthe lotion. Suitable examples of carriers are described in more detailherein below.

“Contaminant” or “contamination” refers herein to an undesirable ordeleterious substance present on a bodily surface. Nonlimiting examplesinclude urine, feces, menstrual fluid, mucous, grease, plaque, foodresidue, and the like.

“Crushing force” refers herein to a uni- or multi-directional force(uniform or variable) sufficient to cause at least a portion of theinterior region of a nanostructure forming material to be exposed to theexternal environment, for example, by fracturing or breaking thenanostructure forming material into two or more nanoparticles,mesoparticles, and/or macroparticles.

“Crushing pressure” refers to the application of a crushing force overthe area in which the force is applied.

“Depression” refers to a region of a material extending in thez-direction inward and away from the general plane of the material andwhich generally represents a concavity of the surface.

“Disposable treatment articles” (“DTAs”) refers to articles generallynot intended to be laundered or otherwise restored or reused (i.e., theyare intended to be discarded after a single use and may be recycled,composted or otherwise discarded in an environmentally compatiblemanner).

“Disposed” generally means that an element(s) is formed (joined andpositioned) in a particular place or position as a unitary structurewith other elements or as a separate element joined to another element.

“Elevation” refers to a region of a material extending in thez-direction outward and away from the general plane of the material andwhich represents a convexity of the surface. While elevations generallyextend outward and away from the surface upon which the nanostructureforming material is disposed, it is to be understood that a region ofmaterial characterized as an elevation may also include one or moresmaller elevations and/or depressions in the same region. For example, aregion of material may include a first elevation which extends 500 nmoutward and away from the general plane of the material and one or moresecond elevations that extend 50 nm outward and away from the surface ofthe first elevation.

“Emulsion” refers to a mixture of two immiscible substances in which onesubstance (a dispersed phase) is dispersed in the other substance (thecontinuous phase).

“Hydrophilic,” as used herein, refers to a material having a contactangle<90° according to The American Chemical Society Publication“Contact Angle, Wettability, and Adhesion,” edited by Robert F. Gouldand copyrighted in 1964.

“Hydrophobic,” as used herein, refers to a material having a contactangle≥90° according to The American Chemical Society Publication“Contact Angle, Wettability, and Adhesion,” edited by Robert F. Gouldand copyrighted in 1964. In certain embodiments, materials comprisinghydrophobic nanostructures may exhibit contact angles>120°, >140°, oreven >150°.

“Joined” refers to configurations whereby an element is directly securedto another element by affixing the element directly to the other elementand to configurations whereby an element is indirectly secured toanother element by affixing the element to intermediate member(s) whichin turn are affixed to the other element.

“Liquid communication” refers to the ability of a liquid to pass fromone element of an article or system to a second element, for example,from the topsheet of a diaper to the absorbent core of the diaper. Suchcommunication can result from direct physical contact between the twoelements or can involve an intervening element. Elements of the presentsystem can be said to be in liquid communication in the absence of aliquid, as long as such elements cooperate in such a way that when aliquid is present it is able to flow from one element to the other.

“Macroparticle” refers to a particle having a particle size greater than1000 nanometers (“nm”). Macroparticles may be formed by aggregations ofnanoparticles. For example, a macroparticle sized aerogel structure maybe formed from an aggregation of nanoparticles.

“Mesoparticle” refers to a particle having a particle size ranging from101 nm to 1000 nm.

“Nanoparticle” refers to a particle having a particle size ranging from1 nm to 100 nm.

“Nanostructure” refers to a structure such as, for example, an elevationwherein the length of the structure in at least one dimension rangesfrom 1 nm to 100 nm, for example, from 1 nm to 50 nm, from 1 nm to 10nm, or even from 1 to 5 nm. Surfaces comprising nanostructures arecommonly referred to as “nanotextured.” Nanotextured surfaces generallyhave nanostructures in at least one dimension (i.e., the thickness ofthe nanotextured surface is between 1 and 100 nm). In certainembodiments, a nanostructure may appear as a nanoscale element on amacroscopic surface (i.e., the element has at least one dimension from 1nm to 100 nm). In such an embodiment, the element may be 1, 2, or 3dimensional, with one or more of the dimensions being nanoscale. Incertain embodiments, nanostructures may comprise a plurality ofelevations and depressions disposed on the surface of a particle orparticle fragment. In certain embodiments, the maximum distance betweenany two adjacent nanostructures may be less than 100 nm, but need notnecessarily be so. The examples, figures, and written descriptionprovided herein below further define what is meant by nanostructure.

“Nanostructure Forming Material” (NFM or NFMs) refers to a material orcomposition that forms a plurality of structures with nanoscaletopography on a substrate when the NFM is applied to the substrate. TheNFM may be activatable, or the NFM may provide nanostructures withoutactivation. Activatable NFMs generally utilize an activation stimulus orstimuli such as, for example, a suitable amount of crushing pressure inorder to provide a desired amount of nanostructures for achieving ananti-contamination benefit. Other examples of activatable NFMs aredescribed in more detail hereinbelow. An NFM may be applied to asubstrate as a liquid, suspension, emulsion, mixture, or solid. Ahydrophobic or hydrophilic NFM is an NFM having surface groups which areinherently hydrophobic or hydrophilic, respectively.

“Particle” refers to a relatively small piece of solid substance (e.g.,having a longest dimension between 1 nm and 10 mm). Suitable nonlimitingforms of particles include granules, pulverulents, spheres, aggregates,agglomerates, combinations thereof and the like. Particles may have anyshape or combination of shapes such as, for example, cubic; rod-like;polyhedral; spherical; rounded; angular; irregular; randomly-sizedirregular shapes (i.e., pulverulent products of a grinding orpulverizing step). Particles may be organic, inorganic, or anycombination thereof. While certain embodiments described herein describeNFMs in the form of particles, it is to be understood that NFMscomprising shapes such as needle-like, flake-like, or fiber-like arealso contemplated herein.

“Shearing force” refers to a force that causes or tends to cause tworegions of the same material to slide relative to each other in adirection parallel to the applied force vector.

“Skin Care Composition” refers to any composition that includes one ormore agents that, when transferred from an article to a wearer's skin,provide a therapeutic and/or protective skin benefit such as, forexample, a lotion. Suitable examples of skin compositions can be foundin U.S. Pat. No. 5,607,760 to Roe; U.S. Pat. No. 5,609,587 to Roe; U.S.Pat. No. 5,635,191 to Roe, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,643,588 to Roe, etal.; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,217,890 to Paul, et al.

“Colloidal suspension” refers to a colloidal solid suspended in a liquidwhere the liquid is the continuous phase. The colloidal suspension maybe prepared by any suitable process commonly known in the art, such as adispersion or condensation process (i.e., precipitation) or sol-gelprocess. The colloidal suspension may be adapted to provide ananostructure forming material, for example, by depositing thesuspension on a substrate to form a film (e.g., by dip-coating orspin-coating), casting the suspension into a suitable container with thedesired shape (e.g., to obtain a monolithic ceramics, glasses, fibers,membranes, aerogels), or used the suspension to synthesize powders(e.g., microspheres, nanospheres).

“Wetting” generally refers to the interaction between a fluid and asurface, when the two are brought into contact. When a liquid has a highsurface tension (strong internal bonds), it may form a droplet, whereasa liquid with low surface tension tends to spread out over an area(wetting the surface). If a surface has a high surface energy (orsurface tension), a droplet may spread, or wet, the surface, but if thesurface has a low surface energy, a droplet may form. This phenomenon isgenerally attributed to the minimization of interfacial energy betweenthe fluid and the surface.

“Xerogel” refers to a material formed from a colloidal suspension bydrying with unhindered shrinkage (e.g. 90%) and may be analogized todrying a gelatin. Xerogels are generally understood to be what remainswhen the liquid part of an alcogel is removed by evaporation, or similarmethods. Xerogels typically retain high porosity (e.g., 25%) and highsurface area (e.g., 150-900 m²/g), along with a relatively small poresize (e.g., 1-10 nm). In certain embodiments, a Xerogel may beconfigured as a film that is subsequently broken/pulverized/ground tocreate particles that have nanostructured surfaces. Examples of suitableXerogels for use herein include xerogels that retain their shape, size,and/or geometry in dry and wet conditions. An “alcogel” is a mixturethat, at the gel point, forms a rigid substance (the alcogel). Thealcogel can typically be removed from its original container and canstand on its own. An alcogel typically consists of two parts, a solidpart and a liquid part. The solid part is formed by a three-dimensionalnetwork of linked particles such as, for example, oxide particles. Theliquid part (the original solvent of the Sol) fills the free spacesurrounding the solid part. The liquid and solid parts of an alcogeloccupy the same apparent volume.

Disposable Treatment Article

Current DTAs may be perceived by some consumers as providing bodilysurfaces with little or no resistance to contamination. In instanceswhere a DTA is perceived as providing at least some resistance tocontamination, the DTA may have other properties that the consumer findsundesirable, for example, over-hydration of the skin. Surprisingly, ithas been found that by including one or more hydrophobic nanostructureforming materials (“NFMs”) in a DTA, a hydrophobic layer ofnanostructures may be provided on a bodily surface. The nanostructuredlayer may function much like an anti-adhesion barrier to a variety ofcontaminants such as, for example, BM and thereby make it more difficultfor a particular contaminant(s) to adhere to the bodily surface. In thismanner, a DTA for cleaning and/or contacting a bodily surface may beadapted to provide the bodily surface with at least some resistance tocontamination while avoiding at least some of the undesired propertiesof other DTAs.

Bodily surfaces of interest for use with the DTAs described hereininclude those that are at least occasionally exposed to the externalenvironment and contaminants. Common contaminants include, withoutlimitation, human biological material such as blood, exfoliated skincells, bodily exudates (e.g., feces, urine, menses, nasal or trachealmucous, sweat, and sebum), bacteria, bacterial excretions, dirt, grease,paint, foods, makeup, plaque, combinations thereof and the like. Thebodily surface may be relatively continuously exposed, directly orindirectly, to the environment or may be an occluded or enclosed regionthat is only intermittently exposed.

DTAs suitable for use herein include any disposable article intended tocontact or clean one or more bodily surfaces such as skin, teeth and/orhair. Nonlimiting examples of DTAs include: diapers, diaper inserts,training pants, adult incontinence articles, sanitary napkins,pantyliners, wipes, toilet tissue, paper towels, napkins, facial tissue,disposable teeth cleaning devices, disposable hair cleaning devices,combinations thereof, and the like. Suitable examples of DTAs,configurations of DTAs, and methods of making DTAs are described in U.S.Pat. No. 3,860,003 to Buell; U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,092 to Buell, et al.;U.S. Pat. No. 5,221,274 Buell, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,554,145 to Roe etal.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,569,234 to Buell et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,580,411 toNease et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,004,306 to Robles, et al. Suitableexamples of wipes are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,808,791 to Curro, etal.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,706,028 to Roe, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,986,932 toZink, et al.; U.S. Pub. Nos. 20050227563 to Bond; 20040242097 toHasenoehrl, et al.; and 20040265533 to Hoying, et al. Suitable examplesof paper towels are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,893,965 to Trokhan, etal. Suitable examples of toilet tissue are described in U.S. Pat. No.5,716,692 to Warner, et al.

The DTAs suitable for use herein may include a substrate of any suitablematerial commonly known in the art such as, for example, nonwovens,films of polyolefin, foams, elastomers, or cellulosic materials. Thesubstrate may include one or more compositions to aid a user in theparticular task(s) for which the DTA is suited. For example, a wipe mayinclude a lotion or soap composition while a treatment article forcleaning teeth may comprise an abrasive, breath freshening, or whiteningcomposition. The beneficial composition may be disposed on one or moresurfaces of the treatment article or the composition may be impregnatedin the substrate of the treatment article. The DTA may include one ormore hydrophobic NFMs. The NFMs may be disposed on or in the DTA in anysuitable location, for example, on one or more surfaces of the DTA thattypically contact a bodily surface when the article is used as intended.The NFM may be secured to the DTA by any suitable means commonly knownin the art such as, for example, by electrostatic forces, van der Waalsforces, mechanical forces, entrapment, embedding, magnetic forces,adhesive forces, combinations thereof, and the like. In a particularlysuitable embodiment, the NFM may be suspended in one or more carriers orbeneficial compositions that are disposed on a disposable diaper. Anexemplary disposable diaper may include a wearer-facing topsheet, agarment-facing backsheet, an absorbent core, one or more leg cuffs, anda hydrophobic skin care composition coated on one or more portions ofthe topsheet and/or leg cuffs. The skin care composition in this examplemay act as a matrix for carrying an NFM, and when the diaper is placedon a wearer, the topsheet, which typically contacts the skin of thewearer during use, may act as an applicator for applying the skin carecomposition and the NFM to the wearer's skin. In certain embodiments, atleast a portion of the carrier may evaporate leaving the NFM on thetopsheet where it may be available to contact and transfer to thewearer's skin. In certain embodiments, a disposable wet-wipe, whichtypically comprises a fibrous substrate and a liquid benefitcomposition, may be adapted to apply and deposit an NFM on the skin of auser of the wet-wipe. In such an embodiment, the liquid benefitcomposition such as, for example, an aqueous cleaning composition mayact as a matrix for carrying the NFM.

The DTA may be any suitable wet-laid or air-laid, through-air-dried(TAD) or conventionally dried, creped or uncreped fibrous structure. Incertain embodiments, the fibrous structures of the present invention matbe disposable. For example, the fibrous structures of the presentinvention are non-textile fibrous structures. In certain embodiments,the fibrous structures of the present invention are flushable, such astoilet tissue.

Nonlimiting examples of processes for making fibrous structures includeknown wet-laid papermaking processes and air-laid papermaking processes.Such processes typically include the steps of preparing a fibrouselement composition such as a fiber composition, in the form of asuspension in a medium, either wet, more specifically an aqueous medium(e.g., water), or dry, more specifically a gaseous medium (e.g., air).The suspension of fibers within an aqueous medium is oftentimes referredto as a fiber slurry. The fibrous element suspension is then used todeposit a plurality of fibrous elements onto a forming wire or belt, inthe case of a wet-laid process, and a collection device or belt, in thecase of an air-laid process. Further processing of the fibrous structuremay be carried out such that a finished fibrous structure is formed. Forexample, in typical papermaking processes, the finished fibrousstructure is the fibrous structure that is wound on the reel at the endof papermaking. The finished fibrous structure may subsequently beconverted into a finished product (e.g., a sanitary tissue product). Thefibrous structure may be subjected to one or more converting operationssuch as embossing, tuft-generating, thermal bonding and calendaring. TheNFM may be deposited onto the fibrous structure at any point during themaking and/or converting process(es) of the fibrous structure. Inaddition, the NFM may be included in the fibrous slurry used to form thefibrous structure. In certain embodiments, the NFM may be included in asurface treating composition such as a surface softening compositionand/or lotion composition, which is applied to a surface of the fibrousstructure, for example, by way of transfer from a drying belt and/orYankee dryer during the fibrous structure making process. In certainembodiments, the NFM may be printed onto a surface of the fibrousstructure, for example, with a gravure roll. The NFM may also be sprayedonto a surface of the fibrous structure, for example, by an ink jetprinting process. The NFM may even be extruded onto a surface of thefibrous structure.

The fibrous structure may be made up of fibers and/or filaments.Non-limiting examples of filaments include meltblown and/or spunbondfilaments. Non-limiting examples of polymers that can be spun intofilaments include natural polymers such as starch, starch derivatives,cellulose (e.g., rayon and/or lyocell), and cellulose derivatives (e.g.,hemicellulose and hemicellulose derivatives) and synthetic polymersincluding, but not limited to, thermoplastic polymer filaments such aspolyesters, nylons, polyolefins (e.g., polypropylene filaments, andpolyethylene filaments), and biodegradable thermoplastic fibers such aspolylactic acid filaments, polyhydroxyalkanoate filaments,polyesteramide filaments and polycaprolactone filaments.

The fibers may be naturally occurring fibers, which means they areobtained from a naturally occurring source such as a vegetative source(e.g., trees and/or plants). Such fibers are typically used inpapermaking and are oftentimes referred to as papermaking fibers.Papermaking fibers useful in the present invention include cellulosicfibers commonly known as wood pulp fibers. Applicable wood pulps includechemical pulps such as Kraft, sulfite, and sulfate pulps, as well asmechanical pulps including, for example, groundwood, thermomechanicalpulp and chemically modified thermomechanical pulp. Chemical pulps,however, may be preferred since they impart a superior tactile sense ofsoftness to tissue sheets made therefrom. Pulps derived from bothdeciduous trees (hereinafter, also referred to as “hardwood”) andconiferous trees (hereinafter, also referred to as “softwood”) may beutilized. The hardwood and softwood fibers can be blended, oralternatively, can be deposited in layers to provide a stratified web.Also applicable to the DTAs of the present invention are fibers derivedfrom recycled paper.

In addition to the various wood pulp fibers, other cellulosic fiberssuch as cotton linters, trichomes, rayon, lyocell and bagasse fibers canbe used in the fibrous structures of the present invention.

In addition to being useful as toilet tissue, facial tissue, papertowels and wipes, the DTAs may also be useful for treating hard surfacessuch as hardwood flooring and/or linoleum, furniture wipes, glass wipes,all-purpose wipes, fitness equipment wipes, jewelry wipes, disinfectingwipes, automotive wipes, appliance wipes, toilet, tub and sink wipes andeven preventive toxin wipes such as poison ivy/poison oak wipes.

Carrier

In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to incorporate a carrierinto a DTA to facilitate the transfer and/or contact of an NFM to abodily surface. NFMs are described in more detail hereinbelow. By“incorporate” it is generally meant herein that the carrier becomes anintegral element of the DTA. The carrier may be incorporated into a DTAby any suitable means or pattern commonly known in the art. In certainembodiments, the carrier may be applied to the surface(s) of one or moreelements of the DTA, such as a topsheet or leg cuff, by any meanscommonly known in the art including, without limitation, slot coating,extruding, dipping, spraying, and the like. Nonlimiting examples ofsuitable patterns include full coverage, stripes, spirals, and aplurality of regular or irregular shapes on one or more of the articlesurfaces. The carrier may be incorporated into one or more individualDTA elements or portions of elements at any point in the assemblyprocess of the DTA. Alternatively or additionally, the carrier may beincorporated into one or more individual DTA elements during orsubsequent to the formation of the elements but prior to the elemententering the assembly process of the DTA. In certain embodiments, thecarrier may be applied to a nonwoven web after formation of the web, butprior to the web being shipped to a manufacturer of DTAs. In certainembodiments, individual fibers may be exposed to the carrier andsubsequently formed into a fibrous substrate for use as an element in aDTA. In certain embodiments, the carrier may be impregnated in thefibers of the DTA, for example, by including the carrier in athermoplastic melt composition (e.g., polypropylene) prior to or duringa fiber forming process involving the thermoplastic composition such as,for example, a spunbonding or meltblowing process. The carrier and thethermoplastic composition may be selected or adapted such that whenfibers are formed from the thermoplastic composition at least a portionof the carrier and the NFM suspended in the carrier migrate to thesurface of the fiber. In this way, a DTA that includes such fibers maybe configured to contact the fibers, and hence the carrier, to the skinof a user of the DTA. In certain embodiments, the carrier may beincorporated into the DTA as a liquid, but become a solid or semi-solidsubsequent to such incorporation. For example, the carrier may beapplied to the DTA as a liquid at a first elevated temperature and thencooled to a second temperature at which the carrier solidifies orpartially solidifies.

In certain embodiments, the carrier may encase the NFM and/or may holdthe NFM at or near a surface of the carrier. The NFM may be included inthe carrier prior to, during, or subsequent to incorporating the carrierinto a DTA. In certain embodiments, the NFM may be applied to thecarrier subsequent to the application of the carrier to the DTA such aswhen the carrier is in a liquid or semi-solid state. In such anembodiment, the NFM may be held in place as the carrier cools and/orhardens. In certain embodiments, the carrier may include one or morevolatile components that at least partially evaporate subsequent to thesuspension of the NFM in the carrier and/or incorporation of theNFM-containing carrier into a DTA. The NFM may be selected or adaptedsuch that once the volatile component(s) evaporates or partiallyevaporates, the NFM adheres to a predetermined portion of the DTA where,ideally, it will contact a bodily surface.

Carriers incorporated into a DTA, as described herein, may be selectedor adapted to at least partially transfer to a bodily surface uponnormal use of the DTA, or to remain on the DTA, as desired. It may bedesirable to provide a carrier that performs one or more secondaryfunctions. Nonlimiting examples of secondary functions include providingskin protection and/or a therapeutic benefit; increasing the cleaning orabsorbing ability of a DTA; reducing the friction between the DTA and abodily surface contacted by the DTA, combinations of these and the like.

While a carrier may be used as described above, it is to be understoodthat embodiments where the NFM is held on or within the DTA, or anelement thereof, without the use of a carrier are also contemplatedherein. For example, particles of the NFM may be entrapped in a fibrousmatrix such as a nonwoven or highloft material, or within a laminatestructure having a fibrous or porous surface. Exemplary laminatestructures include two or more layers of material joined together toform a layered structure wherein the NFM is disposed on one or more ofthe layers and/or between one or more of the layers. Laminate structuresmay be joined together by any suitable means known in the art such as,for example, by adhesives, patterned adhesives, mechanical bonding, andultrasonic bonding. The NFM may be disposed in the laminate as afugitive composition (i.e., unbound or loosely bound such that the NFMis free to migrate throughout at least a portion of article or a layerof the article). In certain embodiments, the NFM may be joined to aparticular element or layer of a DTA with an adhesive or other suitablejoining means.

In embodiments comprising a laminate structure, it may be desirable toconfigure the DTA and the NFM such that the NFM is brought into contactwith a bodily surface during normal use of the DTA. Upon contact the NFMmay be selected or adapted to break apart with the application of asuitable force and/or pressure such as, for example, a suitable crushingpressure prior to or during the use of the DTA by a user. At least someof the resulting activated particles may be small enough to pass out ofthe fibrous or laminate structure and adhere to a bodily surfacecontacted by the DTA. The laminate may have a first surface orientedtoward the user's skin and a second surface oriented away from theuser's skin. The first and second surfaces may have differentporosities. In such embodiments, the first surface may have a higherporosity than the second surface. Additionally or alternatively, thepore or opening size in the first surface may be smaller than theunactivated (e.g., uncrushed) NFM particles or macroparticles to preventmigration or loss of the NFM prior to use. Further, the pore size in thefirst surface may be configured to be larger than activatedmesoparticles or nanoparticles such that the activated particles maytransfer to a bodily surface and form a nanostructured layer thereon. Incertain embodiments, the NFM may be held within the void spaces in ahighloft material or other three-dimensional porous layer until the NFMis otherwise released to contact the skin of the user. Regardless of thenumber, porosity or other characteristics of the laminate layers, theNFM may be held in one or more layers by any particle-retention meansknown in the art. An NFM-containing laminate or three-dimensionalstructure may also include a carrier as described herein. In certainembodiments, the NFM may be held under an impermeable protective layersuch as a film and released to the bodily surface via an additional stepsuch as removing or peeling away the protective layer, or via contactwith water (e.g., where the protective layer is water soluble). Incertain embodiments, an extensible or elastic protective layer maycomprise openings sufficiently small to prevent the NFM or partiallyactivated NFM particles from escaping, but upon extension or stretchingof the protective layer, the openings become sufficiently large toenable the NFM or activated NFM to pass through to the bodily surface.

Nanostructure Forming Material

NFMs suitable for use with the DTAs disclosed herein may comprise avariety of shapes, compositions, particle sizes, and/or structuralconfigurations. Particularly suitable NFMs include, without limitation,crushable nanoporous materials such as aerogels; aerogel-like materials(i.e., 3D, nanoporous, and including at least 90% air, by volume of theNFM); and xerogel or xerogel-like materials (i.e., more condensednanoporous structure compared to aerogels). In certain embodiments, theNFM may be configured as a crushable aerogel comprising silicas such aspyrogenic silicas, precipitated silicas, and doped silicates; aluminumoxides; silicon dioxides; pulverulent polymers; Mg(OH)₂; boehmite(Al(O)OH); hydroxyapatite; bentonite; hectorite; combinations thereofand the like.

Other NFMs include organic compositions and structures. Examples oforganic NFM structures include templated nanocomposite thin films,lamellar, hexagonal cylinders; bicontinuous cubic, body-centered cubicspheres; and/or biological nanostructures. Examples of organic NFMcompositions include, without limitation, dendrimers; silicone resinsand silicone containing polymeric material such as silicone polyethers,silicone quaternary compounds, silicone amines, silicone phosphates,silicone betaines, silicone amine oxides, alkylated silicones, alkylatedsilicones, fluorinated silicones, alkylated silicone polyethers,silicone polyether esters and carboxylates and reactive silicones(polyalcohols, isocyanates, acrylates, vinyls and epoxides); and blockcopolymers (e.g., AB diblock, cyclic AB diblock, ABC triblock, ABAtriblock, ABC star block, AB_(n) comb, (AB)_(n) star, (AB)_(n)multiblock).

The NFMs disclosed herein may be naturally hydrophobic or hydrophilic ormodified to be hydrophobic or hydrophilic, for example, by treating theNFM with a composition comprising alkylsilanes, fluoroalkylsilanes,and/or disilazanes.

Suitable NFMs for use with DTAs as disclosed herein generally includematerials that provide nanostructures on a bodily surface when appliedto the bodily surface. When an NFM is contacted with a bodily surface,it may be desirable to select and/or adapt the NFM to remain on thebodily surface in order to provide an extended benefit such as anextended anti-contamination benefit. Suitable NFMs may include macro ormesoparticles having an average particle size on the order ofmillimeters, micrometers or even nanometers such as, for example,between 1 mm and 500 μm, between 499 μm and 500 nm, or even less than500 nm. In certain embodiments, the NFM may comprise a nanoporousmaterial having an average particle size of about 1 mm (e.g., ±25%). Thenanoporous material may be thought of as a particle having ahoneycomb-like structure (i.e., a particle having relatively large openareas dispersed throughout the particle). One or more portions of theinterior or exterior surface of the NFM may include nanostructures.Alternatively or additionally, the NFM may be activatable. The term“activatable” (and variations thereof) means the NFM requires anexternal stimulus or stimuli such as, for example, a crushing pressure,a shearing force, and/or drying before the desired nanostructures areprovided. Activatable NFMs are exemplified below. The external stimulusor stimuli may be provided by a user of the DTA and/or from sourcespresent in the environment to which the NFM is exposed. In certainembodiments, an NFM may be selected and/or adapted to desirably interactwith one or more of the compositions typically associated with a bodilysurface (e.g., naturally occurring oils and/or bacteria found on theskin, hair, and/or teeth of a user). In this way, the NFM may be joinedto the bodily surface through surface interactions between the NFM andthe compositions present on the bodily surface. In certain embodiments,the NFM may be selected and/or adapted to remain on a particular bodilysurface through the action of an electrostatic force between the NFM andthe bodily surface. In certain embodiments, the NFM may be selectedand/or adapted to remain on a particular bodily surface through theaction of van der Waals forces between the NFM and the bodily surface.

In certain embodiments, an NFM may provide contamination resistance toone or more portions of a DTA. For example, an NFM disposed on thetopsheet and/or other element of a diaper may increase the resistance ofat least a portion of the topsheet and/or other element to contaminationin the same or a similar manner as the NFM increases the contaminationresistance of a bodily surface. In this example, a diaper topsheet orportion thereof that includes an activated NFM may become resistant tofecal adhesion. Thus, feces deposited into the diaper by a wearer may bemore easily removed, for example, by dumping at least some, and ideallyall, of the feces from the diaper into a toilet or other appropriatedisposal receptacle. Placing the feces from a diaper into an establishedsewage system, which is typically configured to handle such waste, mayreduce or even eliminate potential pathogen-containing feces fromentering a landfill or other conventional waste disposal system.Additionally or alternatively, placing the feces from the diaper into anappropriate disposable receptacle such as a trash bin may provide anopportunity to at least recycle or compost reusable and/or biodegradableportions of the diaper.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show an example of an activatable NFM 10 that may beactivated by an activation stimulus 40. Prior to being subjected to theactivation stimulus 40, the NFM 10 may include few or even nonanostructures 30 on its surface 12, as shown in FIG. 1A. However, whensubjected to a suitable activation stimulus 40 (e.g., a shearing and/orcrushing force of between 0.1 N and 5 N or a crushing pressure ofbetween 6.9 N/m² and 6.9×10⁴ N/m²), the NFM 10 may separate into two ormore smaller fragments 20, as shown in FIG. 1B. The fragments 20 mayinclude a plurality of nanostructures 30 on one or more surfaces. Thefragments 20 may comprise nanoparticles that resist further crushing(i.e., exhibit minimal or no further reduction in particle size) and/orthe fragments 20 may comprise macroparticles and/or mesoparticles.Macroparticles and mesoparticles, when present, may continue to decreasein size, upon the application of additional activation stimulus orstimuli 40 or the continued application of the same activation stimulus40, until a desired particle size, surface area, or morphology isachieved. Suitable examples of activation stimuli include crushingand/or shearing forces/pressures applied to the NFM by a user; a pH orpH range; a temperature or temperature range; enzymes; bacteria;bacteria exudates; water; oils; minerals; bodily exudates; compositionstypically found in bodily exudates; other compositions typically foundon a bodily surface; and combinations of these. The macroparticlesand/or mesoparticles, when present, may separate into smaller particlesupon exposure to, for example, an enzyme and/or other compositionpresent on a bodily surface. Fragments 20 having particle sizes of lessthan 10%, 1%, 0.1% or even 0.01% of the original NFM 10 particle sizemay be suitable for providing the desired nanostructures. Crushing oneor more of the fragments 20 exposes at least one surface 13 thatincludes nanostructures 30 that were not exposed prior to activation.The nanostructures 30 may comprise elevations 35 and depressions 36. Thenanostructures 30 may range in height from 1 nm to 1000 nm. The heightof an elevation 35 is measured as the distance from the tip 37 of theelevation 35 to the bottom 38 of an adjacent depression 36. When thenanostructure includes multiple adjacent depressions 36 that yielddifferent heights, the height is calculated using the depression 36 thatyields the greatest distance. The distance D between any two adjacentelevations may range from 1 nm to 1000 nm.

The stimulus required to activate an activatable NFM may vary, dependingon the shape, composition, particle size, carrier, and/or structuralconfiguration of the NFM. In certain embodiments, it may be desirable toconfigure an NFM to require a relatively low force and/or pressure toactivate the NFM (e.g., less than 5 N, 3 N, 0.5 N, or 0.1N of crushingand/or shear force, and/or less than 7×10⁴ N/m², 3×10⁴ N/m², 1×10³ N/m²,or 6 N/m² of crushing pressure). It is believed, without being limitedby theory, that decreasing the amount of stimulus (e.g., force orpressure) needed to crush an NFM increases the probability that the NFMwill be activated when brought into contact with a bodily surface of auser during a typical usage of the NFM-containing article, ideally,without any additional action on the part of a user. An NFM that isactivated by relatively low crushing force may be desirable for use onthe topsheet of a disposable absorbent article such as a diaper. In suchan embodiment, the anti-contamination benefit of the NFM may beconferred to a wearer of the diaper with little or no action on the partof a caregiver of the wearer beyond placing the diaper on the wearerand/or the subsequent wearing process of the diaper.

In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to use an NFM that isactivated by a relatively high force (e.g., greater than 5 N) and/orcrushing pressure (e.g., greater than 7×10⁴ N/m²) in order to reduce thelikelihood of undesirably activating the NFM prior to the intended useof a DTA into which the NFM is incorporated. In one particularlysuitable example, an NFM that is at least partially activated by theforce(s) exerted on the NFM during normal use of the diaper (e.g., whenthe wearer walks, crawls, sits, and/or rolls over) may be incorporatedinto the topsheet of a disposable diaper. In certain embodiments, it maybe desirable to use an NFM that is activated by a relatively highactivation force and/or pressure for incorporation into a wipe. Oftenwipes are stored in containers that are configured to dispense the wipesone at a time, and it is not uncommon for the wipe to be subjected to avariety of forces and/or pressures during the dispensing process.Incorporating a high-activation force/pressure NFM into a wipe mayincrease the likelihood that the NFM will not be undesirably activatedduring the dispensing process, and/or during routine handling of thewipe. In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to select and/or adaptan NFM to be activated by a relatively high crushing force/pressure inorder to provide an NFM that is substantially activated only aftercontacting and adhering to a bodily surface such as in the use of afacial tissue, toilet tissue or other similar cleaning article.

In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to include one or more NFMsthat are activated by two or more different forces, pressure, and/orother stimuli. For example, two NFMs that are activatable by twodifferent amounts of crushing force/pressure may be incorporated into awipes product such as a baby wipe. The first NFM may be selected and/oradapted to be activatable by a relatively low force/pressure, while thesecond NFM is activatable by a relatively high force/pressure. In thisexample, the first NFM may be substantially activated when the wipe isdispensed from a container, and the second NFM may remain substantiallyunactivated. Upon application of a suitable force/pressure to the wipeby a user, the second NFM may be activated. In another example, a firstNFM that is activatable by the application of a relatively lowactivation force/pressure and a second NFM that is activatable by theapplication of a relatively high activation force/pressure may beincorporated into a wipes product such as a baby wipe. In this example,the first NFM may provide nanostructures on a first bodily surface suchas the hands of a caregiver or other user, while the second NFM providesnanostructures on a second bodily surface such as the buttocks of achild being cleaned with the baby wipe. Continuing with this example,the nanostructures formed from activating the first NFM may provide amoisturizing benefit to the hands of a caregiver, while thenanostructures formed by activating the second NFM may provide ananti-contamination benefit to the skin of the child being cleaned withthe wipe. In certain embodiments, a first NFM and a second NFM may beactivated by different mechanisms. For example, the first NFM may beactivated by a crushing force/pressure and the second NFM may beactivated by contact with an activating agent such as water or anenzyme.

In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to arrange nanostructures ona bodily surface in a substantially continuous layer, thereby providingsubstantially continuous surface coverage of the bodily surface. Abodily surface that is substantially covered with nanostructures mayexhibit a particularly suitable degree of contamination resistance as aresult of the lotus effect provided by the nanostructures. The layer ofnanostructures may have a thickness of about 100 to 200 nm. It isbelieved, without being limited by theory, that thickness may not affectthe contamination resistance phenomena of the surface. However, thethickness of the nanostructure layer may affect the durability of thecontamination resistance phenomenon. For example, a thicker layer mayprovide contamination resistance for a longer period time than thinnerlayer. The thickness of the layer may also impact the aesthetics of theDTA or the surface on which the nanostructure layer is disposed. It isfurther believed, without being limited by theory, that the nanoscaledimensions of the nanostructures, especially when the nanostructures arearranged in a substantially continuous layer or film, may inhibit oreven prevent polar and non-polar liquids such as water and oils fromwetting the bodily surface upon which the layer of nanostructures isdisposed. When the nanostructures comprise a hydrophobic material, thenanostructures may present a surface that repels polar liquids to theextent that polar liquids will generally attempt to move away from thehydrophobic nanostructures, for example, by forming spherical shapes androlling off of the nanostructure layer.

FIG. 2 shows a Scanning Electron Microscopy (“SEM”) micrograph of an NFM100 disposed on a fiber 110 of a nonwoven substrate 120. FIG. 3 shows a10× magnification of the fiber 110 from FIG. 2. The NFM 100 may bedispersed in a solvent to form a dispersion and applied to the nonwovensubstrate 120. The solvent may then be dried leaving a substantiallycontinuous layer of NFM 100 on one or more portions of at least some ofthe fibers 110. Nonlimiting examples of suitable solvents include water,cyclomethicone, ethylacetate, ethyl alcohol, isopropol alcohol,isohexadecane, and pentamethyl propane. One or moredispersant(s)/additive(s) may be included in the dispersion, as desired.The dispersant and/or NFM may also comprise a polymer. In certainembodiments, the dispersion may include aggregates of hydrophobic NFMs100 that have a size distribution ranging from greater than 100 nm to 1mm. Aggregate sizes in a suspension or emulsion may be furthercontrolled by ultrasonication, solvent choice, and/or concentration ofsolid. In certain embodiments, the NFM 100 may include an aggregate ofhydrophobic silica nanoparticles delivered to the nonwoven substrate 120from a solvent of cyclomethicone. One particularly suitable example ofhydrophobic silica includes AEROXIDE LE1 brand hydrophobic silicaavailable from Degussa AG, Duesseldorf, Germany.

FIG. 4A shows another example of a surface that includes nanostructures230. The nanostructured surface illustrated in FIG. 4A is an SEMmicrograph of nanostructures 230 arranged in a substantially continuouslayer on a lotus leaf 260. The nanostructures 230 may compriseelevations 235 and depressions 236. The nanostructures 230 shown in FIG.4A are generally conically shaped, but it is to be understood that thenanostructures 230 suitable for use with DTAs disclosed herein maycomprise any suitable shape or combination of shapes.

FIG. 4B shows an illustration of the nanostructures 230 from FIG. 4A.The nanostructure 230 comprises a microscale bump 238 and nanoscalehair-like elements 239 on the bump. It is believed, without beinglimited by theory, that the bump 238 and hair-like elements 239 actcooperatively to provide the barrier properties associated with thesurface of a lotus leaf (e.g., via creation of nanoscale elevations anddepressions).

FIG. 5 shows an SEM micrograph of nanostructures 330 arranged in asubstantially continuous layer on a lotus leaf surface 360. Thenanostructures 330 comprise elevations 335 which are shown supporting adroplet of water 350. Without being limited by theory, it is believedthat due to the surface tension of the water droplet 350 and therelatively low surface energy provided by the nanostructures 330, thewater droplet 350 forms a spherical shape to minimize its surface area.External forces acting on the water droplet 350 such as, for example,gravity or moving air may cause the water droplet 350 to move across thenanostructure 330 layer, for example, by rolling across the upper-mostportion of the elevations 335 (i.e., the portion of the elevation 335that extends furthest away from the lotus leaf surface 360). If thewater droplet 350 moves across the nanostructures 330, any contaminants340 disposed on the lotus leaf surface 360 may adhere to the surface ofthe water droplet 350.

The presence of nanostructures on the treated surface of a substratesuch as a skin mimic substrate can typically be detected by Atomic ForceMicroscopy (“AFM”). AFM images may provide relatively accurateindications of the surface height and spatial distribution ofnanostructures on the surface of a treated substrate. Mathematicaldescriptions for describing a surface function in terms of its texturalproperties such as directionality, peaks, valleys, and roughness arecommonly known in the art. One example of such a mathematicaldescription is:Z _(s) =f _(s)(X,Y).Where:

Z_(s) is the surface height value

f_(s) is the function describing the surface height at a point ofmeasurement

X,Y are the planar coordinates of the surface point of measurement

When a surface is treated to create nanostructures, the surfaceroughness function of the surface may be altered due to thenanostructures that are superimposed on the surface of the substrate.One approach to assessing the effect of forming nanostructures on thesurface of a substrate is to compare the surface roughness of anuntreated substrate surface to the surface roughness of the treatedsubstrate surface. In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to use asubstrate having a substantially flat surface such as, for example, apolished silicon wafer commonly used in the microelectronics industry.In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to use a substrate that isadapted or selected to simulate a biological surface such as skin orhair.

It is commonly known that human skin typically exhibits directionalitydue to the predominant direction of the “furrows” in the skin. It isbelieved, without being limited by theory, that treating skin withnanostructures may cause a reduction in the directionality of thetreated skin, and therefore may indicate the presence of a suitablenanostructured layer on the skin. Table 1 below summarizes the resultsof directionality comparisons of a skin mimic sample with no NFM and askin mimic sample treated with one bead of NFM. The NFM bead was arandomly selected, individual particle of VM2260 Aerogel, available fromDow Corning Corp., Midland, Mich. The particle was crushed anddistributed in a relatively even manner over the surface of a 3×3 cmsample of skin mimic substrate. Suitable examples of skin mimicsubstrates are described in U.S. Publication No. 2007/0128255 toBelcher, et al. The change in directionality of the treated skin may beevidenced by a change in the angular spectrum. The angular spectrum isautomatically generated using the image metrology software (SPIP) of theatomic force microscope. The angular spectrum is based on image inputand is analyzed according to the method described in more detail below.The change in the angular spectrum may be represented as a ratio betweenthe spectrum amplitude at 90° and the spectrum amplitude at anotherangle such as, for example, 30° and/or 150°. The directionality index(Q_(d)) in Table 3 is calculated according to the formula:Q _(d)=Amplitude at 90°/(0.5*(Amplitude at 150°+Amplitude at 30°)).

Reducing the directionality index (Q_(d))) of a substrate surface by atleast 50%, 60%, or even 70% may indicate that the treated substrate hasa suitable nanostructured layer capable of delivering ananti-contamination benefit. As can be seen in Table 1, the applicationof the NFM to the skin mimic substrate resulted in a directionalityindex reduction of 60%.

TABLE 1 Amplitude Amplitude Amplitude (nm) (nm) (nm) DirectionalityQ_(d) % Sample at 90° at 30° at 150° Index (Q_(d)) reduction Control 480120 120 4.00 — One 300 200 180 1.58 60 Bead

FIG. 6 shows an AFM image of a skin mimic surface 600 without an NFMdisposed thereon. The AFM images depicted in FIGS. 6 and 8 are generatedaccording to the procedure described in more detail below. The skinmimic surface 600 has a topography comprising various elevations 635 anddepressions 636. FIG. 7 is graph 700 that shows a cross-sectionalrepresentation of the topography of the skin mimic surface 600 at line7-7 in FIG. 6. The elevations 635 and depressions 636 of FIG. 6 arerepresented as high points 735 and low points 736 on the graph curve715. The relative smoothness of the graph curve 715 is due to thesubstantial lack of nanostructures on the skin mimic surface 600. As canbe seen from in FIG. 7, the heights of the elevations 635 and depth ofthe depressions 636 disposed on the skin mimic surface 600 of FIG. 6 mayrange between about 0.5 μm and 1 μm.

FIG. 8 shows an AFM image of a skin mimic surface 800 comprising anactivated NFM 810 disposed thereon. The NFM 810 may compriseactivatable, hydrophobic, silica aerogel particles. The substratesurface 800 may also include larger scale elevations 835 and depressions836 that are the same or similar to a surface that does not includenanostructures such as, for example, substrate surface 600. Thenanostructures disposed on the skin mimic surface 800 may providesmaller nanoscale elevations 837 and depressions 838. It is believed,without being limited by theory, that the smaller scale elevations 837and depressions 838 give the skin mimic surface 800 a rougher appearance(as viewed on a cross-sectional graphical representation) than the skinmimic surface 600 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is graph 900 that shows a cross-sectional representation of thetopography of the skin mimic surface 800 at line 9-9 in FIG. 8. Theelevations 835 and depressions 836 of FIG. 8 are represented as highpoints 935 and low points 936 on the graph curve 915. Unlike therelatively smooth graph curve 715 shown in FIG. 7, the relatively roughgraph curve 915 of FIG. 9 reflects the nanotopography imparted to theskin mimic surface 800 by the nanoscale elevations 837 and depressions838. As seen in FIG. 9, the size (i.e., height and/or depth) of thenanoscale elevations 837 and depressions 838 may span a range of betweenabout 50 nm to 200 nm.

FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C show side-by-side SEM micrographs of a substratesurface 1020 (in this example a powder-free purple nitrile gloveavailable from WVR International, West Chester, Pa.) withoutnanostructures 1030 and the same substrate surface 1020 withnanostructures 1030 (in this example an activated aerogel) at 44×,2500×, and 10,000× magnification, respectively. In each of FIGS. 10A,10B, and 10C, the left side SEM micrograph 1010A, 1010B, and 1010C,respectively, shows a substrate surface 1020 without nanostructures1030. In each of FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C, the right side SEM micrograph1011A, 1011B, and 1011C, respectively, shows the substrate surface 1020with nano structures 1030.

EXAMPLES

Unless otherwise indicated, the environmental conditions in thefollowing Examples and test methods include a temperature of 23° C.±2°C. and a relative humidity of 50%±2%.

Example 1

Two grams of Cabot fine particle silica aerogel (grade 02N) (shown asNFM 1 in Table 1 below), available from Cabot Corporation, Boston Mass.,are added to 18 grams of a 70% W/W ethanol in water solution and mixedfor 1 minute in a Speed-Mixer DAC 400FV mixer, available from FlacktekInc, Landrum, S.C., at the maximum speed setting to form a gel-likecomposition (“Gel A”). A mask made of silicone coated release paperhaving five parallel rectangular openings/holes measuring 6 mm in widthand 300 mm in length, each opening separated from the others by 8 mm, isplaced onto the wearing-facing surface of the topsheet of a Size 2,PAMPERS SWADDLERS NEW BABY brand disposable diaper, available from TheProcter & Gamble Co., Cincinnati, Ohio. The openings in the mask arepositioned 10 mm from the back waist edge of the diaper and extendedtoward the front of the diaper in a direction generally parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the diaper. One-fifth of the total amount of Gel A,approximately 0.4 g, is applied manually with a finger covered by apowder-free finger cot in an even distribution to the entire exposedregion of the topsheet through one of the openings in the mask. Thisprocess is repeated for the remaining four openings/topsheet sections.In total approximately 2.0 g of Gel A is applied to the diaper. The maskis then removed and the diaper is placed in a 40° C. oven for 1 hour sothat the ethanol and water in Gel A could evaporate, thereby leaving theNFM adhered to the topsheet surface. The basis weight of the NFM isapproximately 22 g/m² in the treated area of the diaper (i.e., 0.2 g ofNFM powder over five mask openings of 6 mm×300 mm each). In thisexample, the area of the topsheet comprising the NFM is selected to bein the crotch region of the diaper in order to increase the likelihoodof the NFM contacting the buttock and/or genital area of a wearer whenthe diaper is placed on the wearer. However, it is to be understood thatthe NFM may be disposed on any suitable diaper element or combination ofelements in any suitable location and/or amount, as desired. Typically,the cumulative area of the diaper surface comprising the NFM is in therange of 15 cm² to 500 cm²

Example 2

A diaper and applied template as described in Example 1 is prepared forthis example. Super White Protopet petrolatum, available from WitcoCorporation, Greenwich, Conn., is applied via finger cot to the exposedtopsheet in the mask openings in a thin layer (390 g/cm²). Thepetrolatum is used to represent a skin care composition or lotioncarrier. VM2260 Aerogel beads (shown as NFM 2 in Table 1 below),available from Dow Corning Corp., Midland, Mich. are applied in an evenlayer at about 220 g/m² to the petrolatum containing areas of thetopsheet. A finger cot covered finger is used to gently press the beadsinto the petrolatum such that at least some of the beads are immobilizedin the petrolatum. While some of the beads may be completely immersed inthe petrolatum, at least some of the immobilized beads are onlypartially immersed in the petrolatum. In other words, at least some ofthe immobilized beads have one or more portions of their surface areasubstantially free of petrolatum and exposed to the air. The mask isremoved and compressed air at a pressure of less than 703 g/cm² is usedto gently blow the remaining loose beads off the diaper, resulting in asubstantially even layer of beads having a basis weight of approximately22 g/m².

Example 3

0.5 grams of Cabot fine particle silica aerogel (grade 02N) (NFM 1) areadded to 9.5 grams of a 70% W/W ethanol in water solution and mixed in amixer (see Example 1) for 1 minute at the maximum speed setting to formGel B. A BOUNTY brand paper towel, available from The Procter and GambleCompany, Cincinnati Ohio, is folded into fourths, forming a substrate 4layers thick and 140 mm by 140 mm. A disposable plastic transfer pipetis used to pipet 40.0 g of Gel B onto the paper towel such that 5 beadsof substantially equal weight are spaced 25 mm apart on the paper towel.The five beads are formed into a film by manually spreading the beadswith a finger covered by a powder-free finger cot such that Gel B isevenly distributed over the entire top surface of the paper towelsubstrate. The sample is left on a lab bench at ambient conditions for24 hours, allowing the water and ethanol to evaporate, thereby leaving10 g/m² of NFM adhered to the surface of the paper towel.

Example 4

Pressure sensitive adhesive such as H2031, available from BostickFindley, Wauwatosa Wis., is applied in a spiral pattern to a piece ofsilicone treated release paper. The adhesive is then transferred to apiece of 15 gsm spunbond polypropylene nonwoven with dimensions of 370mm by 130 mm, available from Polymer Group Inc., Charlotte, N.C. 0.2 gof VM2260 large particle Aerogel (NFM 2), is sprinkled onto the adhesivecoated non-woven, forming a mound of beads 2 cm by 6 cm. A second,substantially identical piece of nonwoven is placed on top of the firstnonwoven, covering the beads. The edges of the second nonwoven piece aresubstantially aligned with the edges of the first nonwoven piece to formlaminate A. The edges of Laminate A are sealed by using a roller toapply pressure to a one-inch wide strip around the perimeter of thelaminate. Both barrier leg cuffs are removed from a size 2 PAMPERSSWADDLERS NEW BABY brand disposable diaper. Transfer tape (e.g., product#1524, available from 3M, St. Paul, Minn.) is applied around theperimeter of Laminate A to provide a 0.635 cm wide strip of adhesive.Laminate A is attached to the wearer-facing side of the diaper topsheetby placing laminate A on top of the adhesive. Laminate A is positionedsuch that it is substantially centered on the diaper in both thelongitudinal direction (i.e., the longest dimension) and the directionorthogonal thereto (i.e., cross direction). A hand roller is used toapply a moderate pressure of approximately 1000 g/cm² around theperimeter of laminate A to ensure sufficient bonding.

Example 5

An OLAY daily facial wipe, available from Procter and Gamble, CincinnatiOhio is folded into fourths, forming a substrate that is 4 layers thickand approximately 95 mm by 75 mm. 2.0 g of Gel B is added to thesubstrate in 5 beads of 0.4 g each. The beads are spread into a filmmanually with a finger covered by a powder-free finger cot such that GelB is distributed evenly over substantially the entire top surface of thewipe. The sample is left on a lab bench at ambient conditions for 24hours, allowing the water and ethanol to evaporate, thereby leavingapproximately 14 g/m² of NFM adhered to the substrate surface.

Example 6

It is believed, without being limited by theory, that using a facialtissue or toilet tissue to apply an NFM to a bodily surface would alsoresult in the formation of a suitable nanostructured layer on the bodilysurface for providing an anti-contamination benefit. Suitable examplesof facial and toilet tissue include PUFFS brand facial tissue andCHARMIN ULTRA brand toilet tissue, both available from The Procter andGamble Company, Cincinnati, Ohio. The facial and toilet tissuesubstrates are prepared according to Examples 3, except that the facialtissue or toilet tissue substrate is used in place of the paper towelsubstrate of Example 3.

Example 7

In this example, a laminate structure may be used to entrap an NFMbetween layers of the laminate. A first substrate is prepared accordingto one of Examples 3 or 6. After the alcohol and water have evaporated(i.e., after the 24-hour drying period), a second, similar orsubstantially identical substrate (absent any NFM or gel) is joined tothe first substrate in a face to face relationship such that the NFM isdisposed between the first and second substrates. The second substrateis adhesively joined to the first substrate by applying TT5000B brandadhesive, available from HB Fuller to one surface of the secondsubstrate via a spraying process. The adhesive is applied in asubstantially uniform manner at a rate of 4.5 mg/meter per nozzle. Theadhesive-treated surface of the second substrate is placed over theNFM-treated surface of the first substrate and then rolled with a 2 kgHR-100, ASTM 80 shore, rubber-faced roller for two full strokes (i.e.,back and forth) at a speed of 10 mm/sec.

Table 1 summarizes the results of the BM Anti-Stick Test, described inmore detail below, performed on an adult forearm. Table 1 illustrates,among other things, the anti-contamination benefit that may be achieved

when an NFM is applied directly to skin and when an NFM is applied toskin by a DTA. The NFM in the NFM containing DTAs described in Examples3 and 5 was applied according to the Modified Anti-Stick for ForearmTest Method described below. NFM 1 is a hydrophobic silica silyateAerogel powder, grade 02N, available from Cabot Corporation, Boston,Mass. NFM 2 is a hydrophobic silica silyate aerogel bead, product#VM2260, available from the Dow Corning Co., Midland, Mich. NFM 3 is afluorinated activated carbon, sample #YBR189-054 provided by the CabotCorporation, Boston, Mass. NFM 4 is a hydrophobically modified, fumedsilica, product number HDK H15 available from Wacker Chemi, Munich,Germany. Control 1 shows the anti-contamination level of skin with noapplied NFM. Control 2 shows the anti-contamination level of skin afterthe application of a lotion comprising 41% stearyl alcohol, 57.9%petrolatum and 1.1% aloe extract.

TABLE 1 NFM applied directly to Forearm % Residual % Residual ABM onSkin (at ABM on Skin (at add on of approx add on of approx SampleDescription 300-1000 μg/cm²) 100-200 μg/cm²) NFM 1 Cabot Fine ParticleNA 1.5 Silica Aerogel Grade 02N NFM 2 VM2260 large Particle NA 3.2Silica Aerogel NFM 3 Fluorinated Carbon 0.78 9.6 NFM 4 Hydrophobic Fumed5.67 34.42 Silica Example 3 NFM 1 delivered by NA 3.4 paper towelsubstrate Example 5 NFM 1 delivered by NA 18.2 facial wipe substrateControl 1 No treatment 33.8 33.8 Control 2 Lotion 31.4 35.6

As can be seen in Table 1, NFMs (e.g., NFMs 1-4) on skin at variousadd-on levels may provide an anti-stick benefit versus non-NFM treatedskin, including skin treated with a lotion or other skin carecomposition. At low add-on levels it can be seen that the silicaaerogels, which are examples of crushable nanoporous NFMs, exhibited thebest cleaning performance. Also shown in Table 1, NFMs delivered to skinvia a substrate such as an absorbent treatment article or disposablecleaning article provided an anti-stick benefit. The forearm test usedto generate the data in Table 1 is believed to simulate a typical usagecondition for disposable cleaning and treatment articles. In addition,the BM analog is believed to be representative of many other biologicaland non-biological contaminants of bodily surfaces. However, it is to beunderstood that the present disclosure contemplates other usageconditions associated with disposable cleaning and treatment articles aswell as other commonly known contaminants.

Table 2 summarizes the results of the BM ANTI-STICK TEST performed on anadult popliteal fossa (i.e., surface of the back of the knee). Table 2illustrates, among other things, the anti-contamination benefit that maybe provided by a DTA comprising an NFM. The first three samples in Table2 were prepared according to the procedure described in Examples 1, 2,and 4. Control 1 is a Size 1 PAMPERS SWADDLERS NEW BABY brand disposablediaper with no NFM treatment. Control 2 is a size 1, HUGGIES SNUG 'N DRYbrand disposable diaper available from the Kimberly-Clark Corporation,Neenah, Wis., with no NFM treatment.

TABLE 2 % Residual ABM on Skin (at add Sample NFM Treatment on of approx100-200 μg/cm²) Example 1 Delivered by diaper 2.8 topsheet substrateExample 2 Delivered by diaper 25.1 topsheet substrate Example 4Delivered by nonwoven 5.5 laminate Control 1 N/A 35.5 Control 2 N/A 38.6

As can be seen from Table 2, the articles comprising an NFM treatmentdelivered better anti-stick benefits to skin than the articles that didnot include an NFM treatment. Samples 1, 2, and 3 show that an NFM maybe delivered successfully (i.e., to form an effective nanostructuredsurface for contamination resistance) to the skin of a wearer by adiaper topsheet through multiple carrier/delivery approaches inquantities sufficient to provide a desired anti-stick benefit. The“behind the knee” Anti-stick Test Method used to generate the data inTable 2 is believed to represent the kinds of conditions (e.g.,temperature, humidity, pressure, movement, friction, etc.) that thetopsheet of an absorbent article is exposed to when worn by a wearer.

Test Methods

BM Anti-Stick Test Method

The objective of this test is to assess the adhesion of soils orexudates to skin by quantifying the percentage of residual artificialpasty bowel movement (“ABM”), formulated to be similar to real infantBM, left on the skin surface after treatment. When subjected to the BMAnti-stick Test, only part of the ABM typically remains on the skinsurface and the rest of the ABM is typically removed. Ideally, the lessABM that remains, the more effective the treatment is.

One or more healthy adult panelists may participate in a singlescreening study. Each panelist completes a four-day washout periodduring which they use OLAY brand unscented moisturizing soap, availablefrom The Procter and Gamble Company, Cincinnati, Ohio, to wash theirforearms.

Each panelist is directed to refrain from using any topical productssuch as ointments, creams, or lotions on their forearms during thiswashout-out period, including the day of testing. On the day of testing,each panelist's arms are inspected to ensure they are free of skinabnormalities such as cuts, scratches, and rashes. If any skinabnormalities are present, the panelist is not permitted to participate.

A template and a fine-tip marker are used to mark off between two andten 3×3 cm sites on the hair-free volar forearms, i.e., with a maximumof 5 sites per forearm. All but one of these sites is treated with acomposition comprising an NFM. Thus, 9 different NFMs may be tested perpanelist. The remaining site receives no anti-stick treatment and servesas a negative control. Testing starts at the site closest to the elbowon the left arm and, as testing on each site is completed, progresses tothe site closest to the wrist on the left arm, then to the site closestto the elbow on the right arm, and finally to the site closest to thewrist on the right arm. For each site treated, a predetermined amount of300 μg/cm² of the NFM composition is applied in the center of the sitewith a powder-free finger cot, available from VWR Scientific of WestChester, Pa., Catalog #56613-413. The applied NFM composition is thenspread over the entire site (the boundary of which is defined by themarks made using the template) by placing the finger cot on top of theagent or NFM composition and lightly rubbing the finger cot over theskin surface using several side-to-side and up-and-down movements for atotal elapsed time of 10-15 seconds. Examining the site from an obliqueangle, the tester ensures that a uniform film has been formed over theentire area of the site. The film is left exposed to air, untouched, forapproximately 1 minute prior to application of the ABM.

A 1 ml syringe, with an opening approximately 1.5 mm in diameter, suchas Catalogue #BD-309628 from VWR Scientific, West Chester Pa. filledwith room temperature (about 21° C.) ABM and devoid of air bubbles, isplaced on a tared analytical balance accurate to four decimal places.The weight of the ABM is recorded. The syringe with ABM is held over thecenter of the test site on the forearm between 5 and 10 mm from thesurface of the skin and 0.2 ml of ABM is dispensed onto the skin bypressing the plunger and by watching the gradations on the syringe. Whendispensed correctly, the ABM forms a reasonably uniform, compact moundin the center of the test site. The syringe is re-weighed on theanalytical balance, and the weight is recorded. The quantity of ABM thatwas delivered to the forearm is calculated by subtracting the secondweight from the first.

A 4×4 cm piece of weigh paper, Catalog #12578-201, available from VWRScientific of West Chester, Pa., is tared on the analytical balance,centered over the ABM mound on the forearm test site, and gently loweredonto the ABM using forceps. The weigh paper must not be touched withfingertips, as this may transfer oils onto its surface. Next, a 500 gbottle-shaped weight, Catalog #12766-518, available from VWR Scientificof West Chester, Pa., configured to provide a pressure of approximately35 g/cm², is placed over the weigh paper such that the mound of ABMunder the weigh paper is approximately centered under the weight. Theweight may be gently held in place or balanced on the forearm for 30seconds. After 30 seconds have elapsed, two fingers are placed gently oneither side of the weigh paper to hold it in place, and the 500 g weightis slowly lifted. Using a pair of forceps, the weigh paper is slowly andgently peeled from the test site. The forceps are placed at the lowerright corner of the weigh paper, and the weigh paper is slowly (e.g.,1-2 seconds) peeled upwards in the direction of the upper left corner ofthe weigh paper at an angle of between 30° and 65°. Once removed, theweigh paper is placed back onto the analytical balance, and the weightis recorded to determine the amount of ABM removed. To prevent drying ofthe ABM, no more than 2 minutes may elapse between the application ofABM to the forearm test site and placement of the weigh paper and weighton the ABM.

The above steps are repeated until all of the test sites for eachpanelist have been tested. For the no-treatment control, application ofthe NFM composition is skipped and ABM is applied directly to the skinsite. The weight percent (%) residual ABM left on the skin surface aftertreatment is calculated from the weight measurements according to theequation% Residual ABM=((ABM Applied−ABM Removed)/ABM Applied)×100.The mean value for residual ABM and standard error of the mean for eachNFM composition and for all panelists is calculated. When the method isrun correctly, the no treatment control typically yields a value betweenapproximately 30% to 35% residual ABM. Suitable environmental conditionsfor this test are a temperature of 21° C.±2° C. and a relative humidityof 30-50%.Modified Anti-Stick for Forearm

In a variation of the BM Anti-Stick Test Method described above, an NFMmay be applied to a substrate and transferred to the forearm of apanelist by rubbing the NFM containing substrate against the skin of thepanelist's forearm. The protocol described above for testing on theforearm is followed except that, after marking of 3×3 cm sites on theforearm, the substrate containing the NFM is rubbed against the skin,directly over the test sites, using ten, back- and forth strokes with agloved hand, applying moderate pressure of approximately 10 g/cm². TheBM anti-stick test is then performed as described above and % of BMremaining on skin is calculated.

BM Anti-Stick Test Method (Behind the Knee)

The objective of this test is to assess the adhesion of soils orexudates to skin by quantifying the percentage of residual artificialpasty bowel movement (“ABM”), formulated to be similar to real infantBM, left on the skin surface after treatment of the skin with an NFMcontaining absorbent article. This test attempts to simulate the typesof contact, pressure, and motion that may be experienced at theinterface of a diaper topsheet and the skin of a wearer.

A diaper containing a NFM composition is applied to the popliteal fossa(back of the knee) of one or more panelists. The panelist is asked tostand so that the legs of the panelist are substantially straight. Whilethe panelist is standing, position a diaper on the backside of a knee ofthe panelist such that the NFM containing portion of the topsheet of thediaper is substantially flat and in contact with the skin. Wrap thediaper around the leg and attach loosely at the knee-cap with 2.54 cmwide medical tape such as BLENDERM brand medical tape, available from3M, St. Paul, Minn. A 10.16 cm by 162.56 cm elastic bandage is thenwrapped around the leg such that then entire diaper and an area 2.54 cmabove and 2.54 cm below the diaper are substantially covered. Secure thebandage with medical tape. Apply a second diaper to the other knee ofthe panelist in the same manner. This second diaper may contain an NFMor may be a diaper with no NFM for use as a negative control. Afterapplying the diapers, the panelist may resume normal activities such aswalking, standing, and sitting, which typically involve substantialbending and movement of the knee. However, activities that may causesubstantial sweating must be avoided. Movement of the knee during normalactivity is believed to create mechanical rubbing between knee anddiaper topsheet, ideally, transferring the NFM to the skin. After twohours, the elastic bandage and diaper are removed are removed from theknees of the panelist, and the panelist is asked to lie down on a paddedtable. The BM anti-stick test is performed on the back of the knee usingthe same method as described above for testing on the forearm, exceptthat no NFM is applied to the knee and only 2 sites are tested perpanelists, one site on the back of each knee. The weight % of BMremaining on skin is calculated as described above.

Preparation of ABM

Obtain the following:

-   -   an analytical balance accurate to ±0.001 g    -   a homogenizer capable of stirring the ingredients to        homogeneity, such as a LABORTECHNIK T25 basic or equivalent as        available from Ika-Werke GmbH and Co. KG of Staufen, Germany.    -   a homogenizer probe to be used with the homogenizer, Catalog        #S25N 25F, available from Ika-Werke GmbH and Co. KG of Staufen,        Germany.    -   6.6 g FECLONE brand synthetic fecal compound (“FC”), Powder #4,        available from SiliClone Studio, Valley Forge, Pa., as Catalog        Number Feclone BFPS-4.        -   6.6 g. FC, Powder #6, available from SiliClone Studio,            Valley Forge, Pa., Catalog Number BFPS-6.    -   6.6 g FC, Powder #7, available from SiliClone Studio, Valley        Forge, Pa., Catalog Number BFPS-7.    -   0.9 g CARBOPOL 981 brand rheology modifier, (“C-RM”) available        from BF Goodrich, Cleveland, Ohio.    -   78.78 g. deionized water        Procedure:        A. Preparation of C-RM Solution

-   1. Weigh 78.78 g±0.01 g of deionized water in a 250 ml beaker.

-   2. Weigh 0.900 g±0.001 g of C-RM on weigh paper.

-   3. Put beaker on a magnetic stirrer and set speed at 400 rpm.

-   4. Add C-RM powder slowly to the water, over the span of about 5    minutes. While adding the C-RM increase the stirring speed slowly to    600 rpm.

-   5. Once the C-RM powder has been added to the water, cover the    beaker and continue mixing at 600 rpm for 15 minutes. The C-RM    powder must be completely dispersed, i.e. a transparent gel without    any agglomerates.

-   6. Set up a hot plate at 150° C. Place the C-RM solution on the hot    plate and continue mixing at 600 rpm until the solution is heated to    81° C. to 83° C.    B. Preparation of ABM Mixture

-   1. Weigh 6.600 g±0.01 g each of FC powders #4, #6, and #7 into a    beaker and mix well.

-   2. Using a T25 basic or equivalent homogenizer with a homogenizer    probe, stir the C-RM solution at 8000 rpm for about 30 seconds    before proceeding with Step 3.

-   3. To the C-RM solution that is being stirred, slowly add the FC    powder mixture, about one quarter of the total at a time. Ensure    that the FC powder mixture gets pulled through the homogenizer probe    during addition, i.e. is thoroughly mixed into the pasty NFM    composition that is forming. If necessary, use a spatula to    facilitate incorporation of the FC powder mixture into the NFM    composition.

-   4. After all of the FC powder mixture has been added, continue    mixing with the homogenizer at 8000 rpm for an additional 5 minutes,    using the spatula to push the pasty NFM composition towards the    homogenizer probe. The NFM composition should be thoroughly mixed    and appear homogeneous.

The finished ABM may be placed in a container, and stored in therefrigerator for up to 30 days. After 30 days, a new sample should beprepared for further experiments. The container must be tightly sealedto avoid drying out of the ABM. Prior to using the ABM in the Anti-StickScreening Method, the ABM must be removed from the refrigerator andequilibrated to room temperature. An easy way to accomplish this is tofill a 10 ml syringe with cold ABM and then allow the syringe toequilibrate to room temperature on a counter top. Equilibrationtypically takes about 15 minutes. The 10 ml syringe can then be used tofill the 1 ml syringe described in the Anti-Stick Screening Method. If asyringe is not used immediately, the open end should be capped orotherwise sealed to prevent drying of the ABM. If condensation ispresent on the surface of the ABM, it should be stirred with a spatulato redistribute the condensed water prior to adding to the syringe.

Procedure Used to Generate AFM Images:

Sample Preparation:

A skin mimic substrate is cut into a 3×3 cm sheet. Two beads (˜1 mm indiameter) of aerogel (which kind) were spread evenly on the surface ofthe skin mimic. The amount deposited ranged from 50 to 100 μg/cm². Skinmimic sample was transferred to AFM stage.

AFM setup:

-   -   Nanosurf Nanite B atomic force microscope (Nanosurf AG,        Switzerland) was used in batch mode. The batch mode scans        selected areas on a surface. The scan size and scan setup is        controlled by the operator in a batch file for high throughput        data generation.    -   The tip for scanning was from AppNano, model ACLA (cantilever        length 225 μm, width=40 μm, thickness=7 μm, frequency 145-230        kHz, n-type silicon with a reflective aluminum coating, spring        constant is between 20-95 N/m, resistance: 0.001-0.025 ohm/cm).        The tip is less than 10 nm in radius with a height of 12-16 μm.    -   The scan mode used is Dynamic Phase Contrast Mode (or tapping        mode) at 10 seconds per line. Scan size is 20×20 μm. The scan        direction was setup in the “UP” direction using 256 points and        256 lines (X-Slope 0, Y-Slope 0) with 5% over-scan. The constant        height mode was disabled. During scanning, the operator used a        set point 60% (with a P-Gain=15000 and I-Gain 1501). The        vibrational amplitude was 0.2 V.    -   Images produced were analyzed using SPIP image metrology        software for surface topography analysis.        Procedure Used to Generate SEM Images:

A scanning electron microscope was used to image the substrate withdifferent magnification levels. All samples were sputter coated for 65seconds. Images were obtained using an Environmental Scanning ElectronMicroscope (ESEM) at 2-3 kV.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or relatedpatent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation ofany document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect toany invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in anycombination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests ordiscloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning ordefinition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning ordefinition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, themeaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shallgovern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A disposable diaper for receiving and storingbodily exudates adapted to be worn around the lower torso of a wearer,at least a portion of the diaper adapted to provide ananti-contamination benefit to a bodily surfaces contacted by the diaperportion, the disposable diaper comprising: a. a topsheet, a backsheet,an absorbent core disposed therebetween, a first waist region, a secondwaist region, and a crotch region disposed between the first and secondwaist regions; b. at least one carrier in liquid communication with abody contacting portion of the diaper, the carrier adapted to adhere anhydrophobic activatable nanostructure forming material comprisingcomprising silica, having a surface and wherein prior to activation, thenanostructure forming material has no nanostructures on thenanostructure forming material's surface, to a surface of the bodycontacting portion of the diaper such that when the nanostructureforming material is contacted to a bodily surface at least a portion ofthe nanostructure forming material is deposited on the bodily surface;and c. one or more hydrophobic activatable nanostructure formingmaterials releasably joined to the carrier, the one or morenanostructure forming materials adapted to provide a hydrophobic layerof nanostructures to a bodily surface when at least a portion of thenanostructure forming material is activated and deposited on the bodilysurface, wherein the nanostructure forming material comprises at least90% air; and wherein the nanostructure forming material comprisesparticles having an average particle size from 499 μm to 1 mm.
 2. Thediaper of claim 1, wherein the activatable nanostructure formingmaterial is disposed on at least one of the topsheet, the backsheet, theabsorbent core, the first waist region, the second waist region, and thecrotch region.
 3. The diaper of claim 1, wherein the nanostructureforming material is a hydrophobic polymer particle.
 4. The diaper ofclaim 1, wherein the carrier is a skin care composition.
 5. The diaperof claim 4, wherein the carrier is selected from the group consisting ofwater, alcohol, and combinations thereof.
 6. The diaper of claim 1,wherein the carrier is an ethanol gel.
 7. The diaper of claim 1, whereinthe activatable nanostructure forming material comprises one or moreparticles having an average diameter of greater than 1 micron prior toactivation of the activatable nanostructure forming material.
 8. Thediaper of claim 1, wherein the bodily surface on which the hydrophobicnanostructures are disposed has a water contact angle of greater thanabout 90° after the nanostructures are disposed on the bodily surface.9. The diaper of claim 1, wherein the activatable nanostructure formingmaterial is activated by an activation means selected from the groupconsisting of: application of a crushing force, application of a shearforce, application of a crushing pressure, interaction with an enzyme,interaction with water, interaction with alcohol, interaction with anoil, interaction with one or more kinds of bacteria, interaction with abodily fluid, interaction with a contaminant found on a bodily surface,and combinations thereof.
 10. The diaper of claim 1, wherein theactivatable nanostructure forming material is activated by at least oneof a shear force and a crushing force of greater than 0.1 N.
 11. Thediaper of claim 1, wherein the activatable nanostructure formingmaterial is activated by a crushing pressure of greater than 6 N/m².